Chapter 31

• Martha's heart pounded wildly, echoing through her ears like a raging drum. She could swear she was on the verge of a heart attack, but it was merely a panic attack, fueled by her spiraling thoughts. Rage surged from her core, spreading to the furthest edges of her being. Her blood simmered, bubbling with an intoxicating mix of fear and anger.
• The fear of losing everything was unbearable. Her image, her prosperous career, the sizable monthly alimony Hunter had generously provided after their divorce—all threatened to slip away from her grasp. Her palms were slick with sweat, her face flushed and feverish, her mind teetering on the brink of madness. All because of Christine.
• Christine, the unending thorn in her flesh, her perpetual tormentor. Always outshining her with her radiant beauty, her effervescent charm, and her razor-sharp intellect. A constant specter casting an impenetrable shadow over Martha, rendering her invisible by comparison.